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Faith Life

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Sacraments​

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Sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, through which Divine life is given. They are a love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not necessarily because of anything we have done to earn it. 

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Seven in total, the Sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life.

 

Learn more about the Sacraments, including how to receive these graces from God.

Prayers, Devotions and Blessings

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Devotions are manifestations of our profound love of God, rooted in worship and service to his Holy Name. As Catholics, it is our readiness to give honor and glory to God, whether in public or private prayer, or by performing some act of God’s will, that exercises our own spirituality. Through prayer, our devotions reaffirm our total commitment to our Lord, Jesus Christ. And in return, we hope to obtain favours that only He can provide through his infinite mercy and blessings.

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Novenas

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Catholics have been praying novenas for thousands of years. The origins of this traditional devotion go all the way back to the time of the apostles.

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At his Ascension, Jesus instructed the apostles to pray in preparation for Pentecost. Nine days later, he sent the Holy Spirit as tongues of fire to strengthen them for the ministry that would spread the Good News throughout the world.

Early Christians noticed this pattern of prayer, and thus novenas follow this nine-day example.

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This form of devotional praying, consisting of private or public prayers repeated for nine successive days. Novenas are often prayed in preparation for a feast day or for a specific intention. Derived from devotional prayer books, novena prayers are dedicated to a specific angel, saint, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or one of the persons of the Holy Trinity.

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Resources

A Guide for Confession

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Catholics are obliged to go to confession because participation in the Eucharist is our greatest joy and privilege, as well as a duty. To participate worthily, we must be free of mortal sin. Confession is a gift, a means of grace, a way to God, and a way back to God.

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Prepare for the Sacrament of Penance by reviewing the guide for confession.

The Bible in a Year Podcast

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In Ascension Press’s the Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Bible in 365 episodes. Using an exclusive reading plan rooted in The Bible Timeline (a ground-breaking approach to understanding salvation history developed by Biblical scholar Jeff Cavins) you won’t just read the Bible… you’ll finally understand how all the pieces fit together to tell an amazing story that continues in your life today!

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By listening to this podcast, you will:

  • Read the entire Bible in 365 days

  • Understand the story of Salvation

  • Experience the transformative power of God’s Word in your life

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Each of the daily episodes are about 20-25 minutes long, making it easy to listen for your own personal listening, with your family, or with a small group. 

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Listen to the Bible in a Year Podcast on Ascension Press.

The Catechism in a Year Podcast

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In Ascension Press’s the Catechism in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides you through the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 episodes, providing explanation, insight, and encouragement along the way.

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With this podcast, you’ll finally understand what it means to be Catholic and how the beliefs of the Catholic Faith come together. 

 

Listen and…

  • Read the ENTIRE Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days

  • Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter

  • Understand how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture

  • Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition

  • Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness for your life

 

Each 15-20 minute episode includes:

  • A guided prayer to help you enter into each episode

  • A reading from the Catechism of the Catholic Church 

  • An explanation from Fr. Mike Schmitz about the reading

 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

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Listen to the Catechism in a Year Podcast on Ascension Press.

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